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Western Bulldogs Past Players
Formed in 1947, the Footscray/Western Bulldogs Past Players and Officials Group is the oldest supporter group at the club.
About Us
The Footscray Past Players and Officials Association was formed in 1948. Now, as the Western BulldogsPast Players and Officials Association (WB PP&OA), we are recognised as one of the most active and successful of the AFL PP&O Associations.
Our Purpose is to connect and support Western Bulldogs Past Players and Officials, to help sustain friendships and to foster strong, ongoing connections with the Western Bulldogs Football Club.
Our Association comprised 222 Full Members (paid subscription) and 85 Past Player Partners in 2025, many of whom attended at least one event in Melbourne and/or at interstate or regional matches.
Our Committee is dynamic and inclusive, includes dedicated positions, general members, as well as member positions specifically for a former WB AFLW player, a former WB indigenous player and a WBFC representative. The Association has a Constitution and produces an Annual Report.
Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog!
Inclusive Membership
Membership is open to all Past Players of the Western Bulldogs / Footscray Football Club in the:
(A) Senior team in the men’s AFL, former VFL and the women’s AFLW competitions. (B) Reserve or Under 19 teams in the men’s former VFL competitions (C) State-league teams in the current men’s VFL and the current women’s VFLW competitions
Membership is also open to elected or appointed Club Officials, as nominated by the Committee
New Members are warmly welcomed!
Past Players Membership Form
To download a 2026 Past Players Group membership form, please click here.
Benefits of Joining
To find out who can join, why you should join, what it costs and details on how, please click here.
Membership Costs
WB PP&OA Membership costs $50 each year, giving access to all of our non-Match Day events and activities.
Access to our Match Day functions and matches requires additional Membership of the WBFC, with all details on the Club’s membership webpage.
For 2026, we suggest the “Top Dogs” Coterie Group membership, which costs$350 for PP&OA members, saving $760.
This includes access to:
(a) all Melbourne matches; (b) a dedicated room for match day functions at Marvel Stadium; (c) premium level 2 seating; (d) Priority 1 finals and grand final access; and (e) dedicated support from the Club.
Total member costs in 2026 allowing access to all PP& OA events is $400 (i.e. $50 + $350).
Player Welfare
We place high priority on the welfare of our Bulldogs Past Players.
AFL Players Association
Although we are not able to provide direct financial or health support, Bulldogs Past Players should contact the AFL Players Association for further information on support for your health and wellbeing, including mental health; financial support, continued education and connection
Tim Harrington (WB #805, 1989–90) is the AFL Players’ Association Football Operations Manager and Head of Alumni.
5th Quarter Foundation
We also recommend Bulldogs Past Players visit the 5th QuarterFoundation website for further information and contacts for you and your families on health issues (psychological, physical); career and family; cultural and identity considerations; financial, environmental considerations; as well as women’s health and aged care.
Listen to episodes of the Western Bulldogs Past Players Podcast, 'The Two Dogs Podcast,' hosted by Kevin Hillier, featuring some of the club's greats recounting their glory days at the Kennel.
The Western Bulldogs Past Players and Officials Association (PP&OA) is one of the oldest Past Players Associations in the VFL/AFL.
Two early gatherings of Footscray former players occurred in 1929 and 1940, the first with around 200 former players present. The ‘Footscray Old Players Association’ formally commenced with the inaugural meeting attended by 74 past players and officials on the 18th of August 1948, initiated by the Secretary of the FFC, Roy Russell, with Stan Porter as the main organiser.
The inaugural Committee elected in 1948 comprised Bill Fawcett (President), Eric Fordham and Con Weickhardt (Vice-Presidents), Stan Porter (Secretary), Charlie Zinnick (Treasurer), and Tom Heffron, Harry Kemp, Harry McHenry, Joe Marmo, Con Molyneaux, and Lou Searby as committee.
Since then, the Western Bulldogs PP&OA has operated continuously and greatly expanded both the number of members and the scope of its activities.
Over our 79-year journey, the PP&OA has been led by 8 Presidents, 4 Secretary’s, 5 Treasurers and 4 Vice-Presidents:
Presidents (Years) and Playing History
Bill Fawcett(Albert WB Fawcett, Pres., 1948-1968)
Fought in the first world war, was a state rowing champion and President of the Footscray FC (1939-41).
He did not play with Footscray, but he did play 1 game with Melbourne in 1920 and 2 with Essendon in 1921. Bill was the inaugural President with the Old Players Association in 1948 and a Life Member of the Western Bulldogs.
Eric Fordham (Pres., 1969-80) (Vice-Pres., 1948-?)
Played 1 game with Footscray in 1929 and was a Life Member of the Western Bulldogs.
Wally Donald (Pres., 1981-87)
Played 205 games with Footscray from 1946-58, was Vice-Captain in the 1954 Premiership team, Captain (1965-7), won the Best & Fairest in 1949, represented Victoria three times (1950), coached Footscray for 3 games in 1952-53 and was named half-back flank in the WB Team of the Century in 2002. He was a Life Member of the Western Bulldogs.
Jim Thoms (Pres., 1988-90),
Former Australian table tennis champion, played 120 games and kicked 101 goals with Footscray during 1937-46, and twice represented Victoria (1941, 1946). He was a Life Member of the Western Bulldogs.
Ron Stockman (Pres., 1991-95)
Played 73 games during 1953-58, was a 1954 Premiership player. He also played 23 games for South Melbourne (1958-61). He is a Life Member of the Western Bulldogs.
Ian Foreman (Pres., 1996-2002)
Played 2 games with Footscray in 1952. He is a Life Member of the Western Bulldogs.
Ian Bryant (Pres., 2009-15) (V-Pres., 2004-2008)
Played 160 games and kicked 21 goals with Footscray during 1960-69, played in the 1961 Grand Final and represented Victoria in 1966 where he earnt All-Australian selection. He a Life Member of the Western Bulldogs.
Ross Abbey (Pres., 2016-26)
Played 123 games and kicked 65 goals with Footscray during 1971-81 and represented Victoria in 1975. His grandfather Len Jonsson was a premiership player with Footscray in 1920, whilst his father Angus Abbey was also a premiership player with the Dogs, in 1954. Ross is a Life Member of the Western Bulldogs.
Vice-Presidents (Years) and Playing History
Eric Fordham (Pres., 1969-80) (Vice-Pres., 1948-?) see above
Con Weickhardt (Vice-Pres., 1948-?) was President of the Footscray FC from 1950-52.
Ian Bryant (Vice-Pres., 2004-2008) and (Pres., 2009-15) played 160 games and kicked 21 goals with Footscray during 1960-69, played in the 1961 Grand Final and represented Victoria in 1966 where he earnt All-Australian selection. He a Life Member of the Western Bulldogs.
Philip O’Keeffe (Vice-Pres., 2017-2026) played 9 games and kicked 19 goals with Footscray in 1989.
Secretary’s (Years) and Playing History
Stan Porter (Sec. 1948-68), played with Footscray in the VFA in 1917-23. This was prior to Footscray joining the VFL. Footscray won the Premiership in 1920 although Stan did n ot play in the team. He was inaugural Secretary with the Old Players Association and a Life Member of the Western Bulldogs.
Alby Morrison (Sec. 1969-82, Albert G.H. Morrison), played 224 games and kicked 369 goals with Footscray from 1928-1946, was Captain (1934-35, 37), twice won the Best & Fairest (1933, 1936) and was 5 times club leading Goalkicker (1928-31, 34), coached Footscray for 22 games in 1934-35 and was named at half forward in Footscray's 'Team of the Century'. He was a Life Member of the Western Bulldogs.
Kevin White (Sec., 1983-2002) played 9 games with Footscray in 1953-56.
Owen Madigan (Sec., 2003-26) played 7 games with Footscray in 1961-62 and then 40 games with Richmond in 1963-66. He is a Life Member of the Western Bulldogs.
Treasurers (Years) and Playing History
Charles Zinnick (Treas., 1948-69) played 13 games with Essendon in 1921 and then 1 game with Footscray in 1925. He was the inaugural Treasurer with the Old Players Association and was a Life Member of the Western Bulldogs.
Len Smith (Treas., 1970-95) was a Life Member of the Western Bulldogs.
Ron Stockman (Treas., 1996-2008) and (Pres., 1991-95) see above
Ian Foreman (Treas., 2009-17) and (Pres., 1996-2002) see above
Andrew Howlett (Treas., 2018-26) played 2 games with Footscray in 1987.
2026 Past Players Committee
Please find below the names and contact details of the 2026 Past Players and Officials Group Committee.
Title
President
Ross Abbey
0412 073 092
Vice President
Phil O’Keeffe
0402 007 270
Secretary
Owen Madigan
0408 105 151
Treasurer
Andrew Howlett
0418 510 635
Committee
Adam Contessa
0416 081 259
Brian Cordy
0423 166 473
Len Cumming
0418 374 079
Gary McGorlick
0409 804 057
Michael McKenna
0432 757 859
IT & Social Media Manager
Clare Delaney
0427 137 377
AFL CPP & O Delegate
Les Bartlett
0416 485 652
AFLW Past Player Representative
Nicole Callinan
Club Representative
Rhys Contessa
0405 066 899
Indigenous Past Player Representative
Vacant
Area Representatives
Adelade
Darren Grant
0431 679 596
Perth
Andrew Purser
0411 876 441
Brisbane
Geoff Jennings
0408 770 659
Gold Coast
Neil Cordy
0419 116 315
Geelong
Brian Cordy
0423 166 473
Ballarat
Jamie Grant
0434 357 882
Canberra
Kevin Delmenico
0438 505 046
Bowls
Len Cumming
0418 374 079
Golf
Les Bartlett
0416 485 652
Merchandise
To download a Past Players Polo Shirt Order Form, pleaseclick here.
